Integrating Redis Object Cache into custom WordPress Plugin

[afzouni]

I've got a WordPress plugin I've been working on, and it's using wpdb to interact with a custom table in the WordPress database. Now, I'm thinking about adding Redis Object Cache to the mix to speed things up.

Basically, I want to check if there's cached data before hitting the database, especially when I'm pulling records from my custom table (i.e. my_table). Any ideas on how I can smoothly integrate this caching magic into my plugin?

Also, I'm a bit unsure about whether to check Redis or the wpdb cached data.

Any insights on that?

[tillkruss]

Hey!

If you use wpdb directly, then there is no caching. Only top-level functions get_posts() will use caching.

That means you can implement your own caching layer using the wp_cache_*() functions.

I hope that helps.

[afzouni]

Thank you, and here's another question: Is there a difference between wp_cache_ and the Transient API, specifically set_transient() and get_transient()?

[tillkruss]

Yes, big difference. Transients will use the object cache when it's present, otherwise they will use the options table for caching which can be quite slow.

[afzouni]

Thank you so much